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The Mexican American Council proudly concluded its 40th Annual Farmworker Student Recognition Ceremony at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. The event, marking four decades of honoring academic excellence among farmworker youth, celebrated the academic achievements of 31 high school and 9 college graduates and for their participation in the College and Career Prep (CCP) program. Generous scholarships, cash awards, and new laptops (sponsored by the Ocean Reef Community Foundation), totaling over $180,000, were distributed among the graduates.
Originally established in 1984 to combat high dropout rates, the Farmworker Student Recognition Ceremony has evolved into a pivotal annual celebration, emphasizing the academic successes of South Dade’s farmworker youths and providing them with vital resources and support.
Edward C. Garza, CEO of the Mexican American Council, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “We are humbled and honored to celebrate 40 years of academic success of Miami-Dade County’s farmworker youth. These students represent the American Dream. Their hard work and education will not only break the cycle of poverty but will also set a new standard for youth across our community and for generations to come. I am so proud of them and look forward to seeing where their bright futures take them.”
The ceremony featured keynote addresses from esteemed community leaders, including Kim Miller, Vice President of Community Affairs at the Miami Dolphins, and Mr. Javier Perez, former MDCPS Administrator and motivational speaker. Additionally, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava graced the event, delivering a congratulatory speech and offering words of encouragement to the students.
Christopher Bernabe, Bachelor of Arts graduate at University of Central Florida in Public Administration, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank MAC and my mom and dad for all the support they’ve given us. That is the reason why me and my brother (Jonathan Bernabe, graduate of South Dade Senior High School) are here today. We’ll continue making them proud. Thank you!”
South Dade Senior High School graduate, David Velasquez’s mother Esmeralda Arroyo shared her appreciation, “I want to thank MAC, the Garza family, and the MAC staff. Thanks to them, my two daughters and son were able to graduate, and we are incredibly grateful.” David, who has also been a part of MAC’s Homestead-Miami Mariachi Conservatory, will be pursuing a career in Electrical Engineering at Miami Dade College.
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